What Are Some Common Tugboat Accident Injuries?

Did you know that a tugboat accident could lead to serious personal injuries?

Many people are unaware of the complexities of the operation of a tug boat and often think their smaller size leads to a safer work environment. However, poor working conditions on a tug can lead to claims of negligence and unseaworthiness. Many of the tugboat incidents we read about in the news are preventable, as safety precautions and regulations were not followed prior to a crash and/or an injury incident. Crew members on tugs can be injured from collisions, equipment malfunctions, failure to follow procedures, electrical injuries, fires to lines parting. Some of the injuries we have seen in tugboat accidents include brain injury damage, paralysis, serious burns, disfigurement, amputation, and other orthopedic and neurological problems leading to death. If you sustain a serious injury in a tugboat incident or lost a loved one, it may be in your best interest to speak to an experienced maritime attorney about pursuing damages.

Good Samaritans Rescues Sinking Tugboat Crew Near Long Island

Last January, Professional Mariner reported that a photography and sightseeing vessel was involved in the rescue of a tugboat crew, after the tug began to sink near Long Island. According to the news outlet, a mayday call was announced for the Sea Lion vessel. A local captain of the New York Media Boat heard the call for help and responded, as he could hear the message clearly.

“I heard [the mayday call] very clearly on the VHF,” captain Bjoern Kils said, so he figured he must be close, according to Professional Mariner. At the time, Kils thought that the tug might be hard to find because “the conditions were very unfavorable with less than 200 feet visibility.”

After the mayday call, the U.S. Coast Guard provided coordinates that proved to be hundreds of miles off, so Kils turned on his AIS system, locating the tug almost immediately. When Kils arrived near the incident, the tugboat was nearly sunk. Kils and his team were able to pull two of the tugboat crewmembers from the frigid waters, while the Coast Guard rescued the other two workers onboard.

Speaking to an Attorney About a Tugboat Accident

Remember, as we stated above, an attorney could help determine if your injuries are a result of employer negligence and/or a vessel’s unseaworthiness following a tugboat accident. In the video above, our own David Anderson explains the importance of obtaining legal counsel in maritime law.

Make sure that you seek legal advice following a tugboat incident, as it may be able to help you obtain compensation for your suffering.